[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 183 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55160-55161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-7820]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket Number FV-06-318]


United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking 
research and other work associated with revising official grade 
standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples. AMS has been 
reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness 
in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has identified the United 
States Standards for Grades of Pineapples for possible revision.
    AMS is proposing to revise the tolerances by replacing Table I 
Shipping Point and Table II En Route or at Destination with numerical 
tolerances. These tables utilize acceptance numbers of fruit with 
maximum numbers of defective permitted. These changes would simplify 
the inspection process and bring the pineapple standard in line with 
other standards which use numerical tolerances for defects. AMS is 
seeking comments regarding these proposed changes that may be necessary 
to better serve the industry.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 20, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable 
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661 South Building, 
Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; Fax (202) 720-8871, e-mail 
[email protected]. Comments should make reference to the dates 
and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made 
available for public inspection in the above office during regular 
business hours. The United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples 
are available either at the above address or by accessing the AMS, 
Fresh Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, at the above address 
or call (202) 720-2185; e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes 
the Secretary of Agriculture ``To develop and improve standards of 
quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and 
demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and 
consistency in commercial practices.'' AMS is committed to carrying out 
this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of 
agricultural commodities. AMS makes copies of official standards 
available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of 
Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or 
U.S. Import Requirements no longer appear in the Code of Federal 
Regulations, but are

[[Page 55161]]

maintained by USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs.
    AMS is considering revisions to the voluntary United States 
Standards for Grades of Pineapples using procedures that appear in Part 
36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). These 
standards were last revised on July 5, 1990.

Background

    AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade 
standards for usefulness in serving the industry. AMS has identified 
the United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples for possible 
revision. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop the proposed 
revisions to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the proposed 
revisions, to the United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples that 
may be necessary to better serve the industry.
    AMS is proposing to revise the tolerances by replacing Table I 
Shipping Point and Table II En Route or at Destination with numerical 
tolerances. These tables utilize acceptance numbers of fruit with 
maximum numbers of defective permitted. These changes would simplify 
the inspection process and bring the pineapple standard in line with 
other standards which use numerical tolerances for defects.
    This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested 
parties to comment on the proposed changes to the United States 
Standards for Grades of Pineapples. Should AMS conclude that revisions 
are needed, it will develop a proposed revised standard that will be 
published in the Federal Register with a request for comments in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 36.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Dated: September 14, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 06-7820 Filed 9-20-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P